Los Anglees City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl introduced the following resolution and issued this statement on his LGBT Sister City Resolution, which calls on the Mayor to suspend the City’s sister city relationship with St Petersburg. The Russian city has come under scrutiny recently for passing anti-gay legislation.

“The passing of this resolution sends a strong message that the City will not tolerate discrimination against our LGBT brothers and sisters in a sister city relationship,” said Rosendahl, the only openly gay elected official in City government. “We must stand together and continue to fight for our basic civil and human rights for all human beings on this earth.”

The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center worked with the Councilmember on the resolution, which can be found here.

City leaders in Venice, Italy have also voted to cut its ties in light of the controversy.

UPDATE: Next steps

The resolution has been referred to the Rules Committee.

Councilmember Rosendahl wants it waived out of committee and sent back to council for a vote.